U.S. patent application number 11/617215 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for method and apparatus for providing caller identification information.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Louis D. Bifano, Thomas F. Kister, Prema Venkatesulu.
Application Number | 20080159502 11/617215 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39584026 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080159502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Venkatesulu; Prema ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
Method and Apparatus For Providing Caller Identification
Information
Abstract
In one embodiment, a method and apparatus for providing caller
identification information is disclosed. One or more valid
alternate phone numbers is configured using a remote interface. The
one or more valid alternate phone numbers are then stored. In
another embodiment, a method and apparatus for providing caller
identification information is disclosed. One or more valid
alternate phone numbers is configured using a local interface. The
one or more valid alternate phone numbers are then stored. In
another embodiment, a method and apparatus for providing caller
identification information is disclosed. A phone number is selected
from a plurality of valid phone numbers comprising a primary phone
number and one or more alternate phone numbers. The selected phone
number is sent when placing a call.
Inventors: |
Venkatesulu; Prema;
(Yardley, PA) ; Bifano; Louis D.; (Morrisville,
PA) ; Kister; Thomas F.; (Chalfont, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Motorola, Inc.;Law Department
1303 East Algonquin Road, 3rd Floor
Schaumburg
IL
60196
US
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL INSTRUMENT
CORPORATION
Horsham
PA
|
Family ID: |
39584026 |
Appl. No.: |
11/617215 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
379/142.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/04 20130101; H04M
1/57 20130101; H04M 1/72448 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/142.06 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/56 20060101
H04M001/56 |
Claims
1. A method for providing caller identification information,
comprising: configuring one or more valid alternate phone numbers
using a remote interface; storing the one or more valid alternate
phone numbers.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more valid alternate
phone numbers is stored at the remote interface.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more valid alternate
phone numbers is stored at a docking system.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote interface comprises an
accessory handset.
5. A method for providing caller identification information,
comprising: configuring one or more valid alternate phone numbers
using a local interface; storing the one or more valid alternate
phone numbers.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the one or more valid alternate
phone numbers is stored at an accessory handset.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the one or more valid alternate
phone numbers is stored at the local interface.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the local interface comprises a
docking system.
9. A method for providing caller identification information,
comprising: selecting a phone number from a plurality of valid
phone numbers comprising a primary phone number and one or more
alternate phone numbers; sending the selected phone number when
placing a call.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting the phone number
comprises selecting the phone number from a list of the plurality
of valid phone numbers using an interface.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the interface comprises a local
interface.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the interface comprises a
remote interface.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting the phone number
comprises selecting the phone number using a local interface.
14. An apparatus for providing caller identification information,
comprising: an interface for configuring one or more valid
alternate phone numbers; storage means for storing the one or more
valid alternate phone numbers.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the interface comprises a
local interface.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the storage means resides at
the local interface.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the storage means resides at
a remote interface.
18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the interface comprises a
remote interface.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the storage means resides at
a local interface.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the storage means resides at
the remote interface.
21. An apparatus for providing caller identification information,
comprising: an interface for selecting a phone number from a
plurality of valid phone numbers comprising a primary phone number
and one or more alternate phone numbers; means for sending the
selected phone number when placing a call.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the interface comprises an
accessory handset and the means for sending comprises a docking
system for sending the selected phone number when placing the call.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to managing calls in a
communication network, and more particularly, to a method and
system for providing caller identification information.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In accordance with existing techniques, a docking system can
be used to establish a communication link between communication
devices. The docking system enables transmission and
synchronization of data between the connected communication
devices. Use of a docking system allows a user to make calls with
accessory handsets using the network of the mobile telephone in the
docking system. When an accessory handset makes a call, the caller
ID number of the mobile telephone is sent for display on the called
device. A user may want to use an accessory handset (for ease of
use) but wishes to avail of the call rates applicable to the mobile
telephone. For example, the cost of long-distance calls from a
mobile telephone may be a lower cost alternative due to the
contract plans of mobile telephone service providers. In this
docking system, a cellular telephone can be used to make calls, but
the calls can be managed by using connected wired telephone
systems.
[0003] In view of the foregoing details, there exists a need for a
method and system that can provide flexibility to a user to
configure and send alternate caller identification information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views, and which, together with the detailed description
below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification,
serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various
principles and advantages, all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a docking system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an accessory handset,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing
caller identification information, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing
caller identification information, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0010] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing
caller identification information, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to
other elements, to help in improving an understanding of
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Before describing in detail the particular method and system
for managing calls from a docking system, in accordance with
various embodiments of the present invention, it should be observed
that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of
method steps and apparatus components related to the method and
system for managing calls from the docking system. Accordingly, the
apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where
appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only
those specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of
the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with
details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill
in the art, having the benefit of the description herein.
[0013] In this document, relational terms such as first and second,
and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or
action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring
or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities
or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising", or any other
variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion,
such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements does not include only those elements but may
include other elements that are not expressly listed or inherent in
such a process, method, article or apparatus. An element proceeded
by "comprises . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of additional identical elements in the process,
method, article or apparatus that comprises the element. The term
"another," as used in this document, is defined as at least a
second or more. The terms "includes" and/or "having", as used
herein, are defined as comprising.
[0014] In one embodiment, a method, apparatus, and computer
readable medium for providing caller identification information is
disclosed. One or more valid alternate phone numbers is configured
using a remote interface. The one or more valid alternate phone
numbers are then stored.
[0015] In another embodiment, a method, apparatus, and computer
readable medium for providing caller identification information is
disclosed. One or more valid alternate phone numbers is configured
using a local interface. The one or more valid alternate phone
numbers are then stored.
[0016] In another embodiment, a method, apparatus, and computer
readable medium for providing caller identification information is
disclosed. A phone number is selected from a plurality of valid
phone numbers comprising a primary phone number and one or more
alternate phone numbers. The selected phone number is sent when
placing a call.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100
comprises a docking system 105, a mobile phone 110 and accessory
handsets 115, 120. When mobile telephone 110 is docked at docking
station 105, accessory handsets 115 may be used to make calls using
the communication network 125 of mobile telephone 110. In one
embodiment, one or more valid alternate telephone numbers is
configured. In another embodiment, when a call is placed using an
accessory handset either the mobile telephone number or one of
valid telephone numbers is provided as caller identification
information. A valid telephone number for a user comprises a
telephone number that is associated with the user. Although only
the docking system 105, mobile telephone 110, and accessory
handsets 115, 120 have been shown in FIG. 1, it will be apparent to
a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the communication
network 100 can include more electronic devices and docking
systems. The connection between the accessory handset 115, 120 and
the docking system 105 may be a wired or wireless connection.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the docking system
105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
docking system 105 includes a transceiver 202, a processor 204,
memory 206, and input/output devices 208 (e.g., storage devices,
including but not limited to, a tape drive, a floppy drive, a hard
disk drive or a compact disk drive, a speaker, a display, an image
capturing sensor, e.g., those used in a digital still camera or
digital video camera, a clock, an output port, a user input device
(such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, and the like, or a
microphone for capturing speech commands). The docking system 105
supports placing a call via a communication network 125 of mobile
telephone 110 using accessory handset 115, 120.
[0019] In one embodiment, a local interface 208 is used to
configure one or more valid alternate telephone numbers. The valid
alternate telephone numbers may be stored in memory 206. The valid
alternate telephone numbers may also be stored in the accessory
handset 115, 120.
[0020] In another embodiment local interface 208 is used to select
a phone number from a plurality of valid phone numbers comprising a
primary phone number and one or more alternate phone numbers. When
a call is placed, the selected phone number is sent as caller
identification information. In one embodiment, the selected phone
number is chosen using a local interface 208. In another
embodiment, the selected phone number is chosen from a list of the
plurality of valid phone numbers using the local interface.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the accessory handset
115, 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The accessory handset 115, 120 includes a transceiver
302, a processor 304, and memory 306. The accessory handset 115,
120 may place a call via a communication network 125 of mobile
telephone 110 using docking system 105.
[0022] In one embodiment, a remote interface, e.g., accessory
handset 115, 120 is used to configure one or more valid alternate
telephone numbers. The valid alternate telephone numbers may be
stored in memory 306. The valid alternate telephone numbers may
also be stored in docking system 105.
[0023] In another embodiment the remote interface is used to select
a phone number from a plurality of valid phone numbers comprising a
primary phone number and one or more alternate phone numbers. When
a call is placed, the selected phone number is sent as caller
identification information. In one embodiment, the selected phone
number is chosen using a local interface 208. In another
embodiment, the selected phone number is chosen from a list of the
plurality of valid phone numbers using the remote interface.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for managing
calls from a docking system, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. The method given above details the different
steps involved in managing calls from a docking system. Further,
the method can comprise greater number of steps than that shown in
FIG. 4. To describe the flow diagram, reference will be made to
FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, although it will be understood by a
person ordinarily skilled in the art that the flow diagram can be
implemented with reference to any other suitable embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] The method is initiated at step 402. At step 404, one or
more valid alternate phone numbers is configured using a remote
interface. In one embodiment, the remote interface comprises an
accessory handset 115, 120.
[0026] At step 406, the one or more valid alternate phone numbers
is stored. In one embodiment, the one or more valid alternate phone
numbers is stored at the remote interface 115, 120. In another
embodiment, the one or more alternate phone numbers is stored at
docking system 105.
[0027] In an embodiment, the method can be implemented in a
computer-readable storage element with a computer-readable code
stored thereon, to program a computer to perform the method.
Thereafter, the method terminates at step 408.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for managing
calls from a docking system, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. The method given above details the different
steps involved in managing calls from a docking system. Further,
the method can comprise greater number of steps than that shown in
FIG. 5. To describe the flow diagram, reference will be made to
FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, although it will be understood by a
person ordinarily skilled in the art that the flow diagram can be
implemented with reference to any other suitable embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] The method is initiated at step 502. At step 404, one or
more valid alternate phone numbers is configured using a local
interface. In one embodiment, the local interface comprises docking
system 105.
[0030] At step 506, the one or more valid alternate phone numbers
is stored. In one embodiment, the one or more valid alternate phone
numbers is stored at the remote interface 115, 120. In another
embodiment, the one or more alternate phone numbers is stored at
docking system 105.
[0031] In an embodiment, the method can be implemented in a
computer-readable storage element with a computer-readable code
stored thereon, to program a computer to perform the method.
Thereafter, the method terminates at step 508.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for managing
calls from a docking system, in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention. The method shows the different steps
involved in managing calls from a docking system. Moreover, the
method can comprise a greater number of steps than that shown in
FIG. 6. To describe the flow diagram, reference will be made to
FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, although it will be understood by a
person ordinarily skilled in the art that the flow diagram can be
implemented with reference to any other suitable embodiment of the
present invention.
[0033] The method is initiated at step 602. At step 604, a phone
number to send as caller identification information is selected
from a plurality of valid phone numbers comprising a primary phone
number and one or more alternate telephone numbers. The primary
phone number may comprise a mobile telephone number of a user. An
example of an alternate telephone number may be a home telephone
number of a user. The plurality of valid phone numbers may be
stored in memory 206 or memory 306. The phone number to send as
caller identification information may be selected at a local
interface, e.g. docking system 105. The phone number to send as
caller identification information may also be selected from a list
of valid telephone numbers using either a remote interface at
accessory handset 115, 120 or a local interface at docking system
105.
[0034] At step 606, the selected phone number is sent as caller
identification information when a call is placed. In one
embodiment, the method can be implemented in a computer-readable
storage element with a computer-readable code stored thereon, to
program a computer to perform the method. Thereafter, the method
terminates at step 608.
[0035] Various embodiments, as described above, provide a method
and system for managing calls through a docking system. A user of a
mobile telephone can send the caller identification of the local
telephone communication system to other electronic devices in the
telephone network by using a docking system. This is useful when
the user wants to place a call using the mobile telephone network
but wishes to receive calls on the local telephone communication
system because of the cheaper call-rate plan offered by the local
telephone communication system. Further, sending the local
telephone communication system number enables the user to
communicate through the local telephone communication system in the
event of the battery of the mobile telephone getting discharged or
while encountering problems pertaining to a weak signal reception
on the mobile telephone.
[0036] A user may also find it useful to send a home number as an
alternate caller identification number in the event of an
emergency. If there is an emergency and the user makes an emergency
call to a 911 service, since the user's home number is sent as
caller identification information instead of the mobile telephone
number, the 911 operator is able to quickly and accurately identify
the location of the caller.
[0037] It will be appreciated that the method and system for
managing calls from the docking system described herein may
comprise one or more conventional processors and unique stored
program instructions that control the one or more processors, to
implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits,
some, most, or all of the functions of the system described herein.
The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to,
signal drivers, clock circuits, power-source circuits, and
user-input devices. Therefore, these functions may be interpreted
as steps of a method that enables users to view a broadcasted media
stream differently. Alternatively, some or all the functions could
be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program
instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), in which each function, or some combinations of
certain of the functions, are implemented as custom logic. Of
course, a combination of the two approaches could also be used.
Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described
herein.
[0038] It is expected that one with ordinary skill, notwithstanding
possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by,
for example, the available time, current technology and economic
considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles
disclosed herein, will be readily capable of generating such
software instructions, programs and ICs with minimal
experimentation.
[0039] In the foregoing specification, the invention and its
benefits and advantages have been described with reference to
specific embodiments. However, one with ordinary skill in the art
would appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set
forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and
figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present invention. The benefits,
advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s) that may cause
any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more
pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or
essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The
invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any
amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all
equivalents of those claims, as issued.
* * * * *